Wayne Arnold Swanson, 82, went to be with his Lord and Savior Wednesday, November 22, 2017 in Harlingen, Texas. Wayne was born January 6, 1935 in Harlingen to Enar Arnold and Erna Sievers Swanson. He was raised in Santa Rosa, Texas where he graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1953. He went on to attend Texas A & I University in Kingsville, Texas where he studied engineering. Wayne served his country in the United States Army with 2 years of active duty and 4 years in the reserves from 1957 to 1963. He was employed with the United States Department of Agriculture for 40 years in remote sensing and as a research analyst.

Wayne was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church his entire life. He served on the Board of Education and the Board of Trustees. He served as Sunday School Superintendent, Elder of the Congregation, Treasurer and member of the Voter’s Assembly. Wayne taught Sunday school and was active in the church choir and hand bells for several years. In addition, he served as President of the Congregation during which time he was instrumental in organizing the 75th Anniversary of St. Paul Lutheran Church and the 50th Anniversary of St. Paul Lutheran School in 1998.

He had a genuine interest in sports and remained physically active throughout his life. He played seven decades of organized sports which included basketball, baseball, football, and softball. He also participated in several bowling leagues for 38 years. His other passions included fishing and hunting.

Wayne was a devoted family man and is survived by his wife, Gloria G. Swanson; son, Jeffrey Wayne Swanson of Harlingen; daughter Shawn Reneé Jones and husband Craig Jones of Dallas; grandchildren, Courtney Jones, Spencer Jones, Preston Jones, Kendall Jones; sisters, Emma Jean Boyd, Patricia Smith. He is also survived by 4 nieces and 1 nephew as well as several great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, November 24, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home, 710 Ed Carey Drive, Harlingen. The funeral service will be Saturday, November 25, 11:00 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 602 Morgan Blvd., Harlingen, 78550. The graveside service will be at Restlawn Memorial Park in La Feria.

In lieu of flowers donations may be given in memory of Wayne to the Shepherd’s Fund at St. Paul Lutheran Church.